Khieu Samphan Defense Lawyer Resigns

Sy Bory resigned last week due to reasons of ill health,
said Rupert Skilbeck, head of the tribunal's defense section, declining further
detail.

Sy Bory was likely to continue for a short while, but would
not be able to complete the entire trial process, Skilbeck said, adding that it
was better to replace him sooner rather than later.

Khieu Samphan will have to select new Cambodian
representation, Skilbeck said.

Sy Bory's resignation was not likely to affect Khieu
Samphan's trial, he said.

"We are confident he will be able to transfer the case
smoothly and not cause any delay," Skilbeck said.

Sy Bory's resignation was not likely to bring any
consequences for Khieu Samphan, said Hisham Mousar, who monitors the tribunal
for the rights group Adhoc.

Sy Bory's work so far was to speak to reporters and to write
a letter of appeal against the former leader's pre-trial detention. Khieu
Samphan's French lawyer, Jacques Verges, had done much of the casework so far,
Hisham Mousar said.

A tribunal statement issued Thursday said a new Cambodian
lawyer would be selected "shortly."